Women’s Skipper Cup Semi final: Naitasiri beats Suva, takes on Lautoka in the Final

Naitasiri Women’s team have booked their place in the Skipper Cup grand finale after defeating Suva on a narrow win 27 – 24 at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori.

The match was intense as both teams came in firing, building an early momentum in the first half.

The rhythm of the game was spectacular, looking at the structured play and offloading rugby from both teams.

Naitasiri was down by 2 points 22 – 24, and right in the dying minutes Fijiana halfback and Naitasiri fullback Rusila Tamoi scored the winning try for the highlanders.

Tamoi scored the opening try 3 minutes into the first half putting Naitasiri on the scoreboard 5 – 0.

On the 21 minutes, Suva was piling pressure onto Naitasiri and gaining meters towards the try line, before Suva’s tighthead prop Vika Matarugu powered her way through to score Suva’s first try and leveling the score 5 –5.

Right before halftime, Suva outside center Asena Rokovesu scored the capital sides second try which was converted by Mereoni Moceituba putting them in the lead 12 – 5 heading to the break.

On the 59 minutes, Lavenia Tinai of Naitasiri made a clean break and running straight for the try line 12 – 10, 2 minutes later a penalty try was awarded to Naitasiri putting them on the lead 17 – 12.

7 minutes later Suva replied with another try fromAsena Rokovesu and converted by Teresia Matea putting Suva in the lead 19 – 17.

On the 74 minutes, Vika Matarugu scored her second try for Suva further extending their lead 24 – 17.

Naitasiri replied back with a try from flyhalf Jennifer Ravutia, who found a gap and ran straight for the try line on the 79 minutes 22 – 24, the game was now on to referees time, right in the 81 minutes Naitasiri exploited Suva’s defense, with an overlap they shifted their play outside providing an opening gap to Rusila Tamoi to score the winning try in the corner 27 – 24.

In the second semifinals, Lautoka beat Tailevu 25 – 22 at the ANZ Stadium, Suva.

Naitasiri will play Lautoka in next week’s Skipper Cup women’s grand finale.